While there are many ways to cope with nicotine addiction, overcoming that addiction is often not the only obstacle to quitting. For many people, smoking is a habit that is attached to a variety of behaviors, some of which they are not even aware.
Many people tend to smoke at specific times during the day or reach for a cigarette in stressful times or when feeling low. The same goes for eating and physical activity. Some people overeat when they are nervous or don’t go to the gym because they feel too depressed. In fact, smoking, physical activity, and eating style are often part of the same system of habits.
The three tend to work off each other and links between certain behaviors can be very strong and difficult to undo. But it is also for this reason that physical activity and healthy eating practices can help you kick your smoking habit.
Here is an example: Many smokers like to have a cigarette after a meal. Then, when they quit, they use food as a substitute for smoking and often gain weight as a result. But finding healthier food substitutes, such as an apple or frozen yogurt instead of ice cream after dinner can help you get through the cravings and avoid gaining extra weight.
Did you know that smoking can decrease your stamina for physical activity? You may have felt this the last time you tried to go for a jog or climbed a steep set of stairs. But increasing your level of activity in even the simplest ways can build your stamina back up. And believe it or not, being more physically active can also help curb your cigarette cravings.
There are several ways to cope with the stressful effects of quitting smoking and managing your weight. Managing your stress, as well as your down time, can be achieved through relaxation exercises, deep breathing, and of course, physical activity and healthy eating. We will give you many tips on how to substitute more healthy behaviors for smoking. Think of these as your instruments for an exciting new experiment. Routines could get boring, but it is an opportunity to test different ways of making your daily life more dynamic.
